BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

YOU CAN WEAR A MAXI-DRESS AFTER SUMMER

Yep. I am promoting a maxi-dress. I can’t even believe it because I’ve been so anti ever since this trend came on the scene years ago (I guess it’s not a trend anymore then?). But I have since come to love the femininity and instant-outfit that long dresses can create for us ladies looking for any and everything simple. All you’ve gotta do is give it that extra little oomph to take it to the next level with the right shoes and accessories. Read on for my tips on pulling it off the RIGHT way this fall. That’s right, it’s not just a summer trend!

Here’s why I hated maxi-dresses in the past: people abused them by pairing them with flip flops and calling that getting dressed for summertime. Unless you are at the beach or at home, I cannot support this choice. People also wore dresses that were way too long, leaving them to drag on the floor while they were shuffling in their flops. For me, this had the opposite effect of being effortlessly feminine and dressed, and instead screamed lazy and lacking in body-awareness. 

Here’s why I’m now loving maxi-dresses: they have slimming potential! Take this floral wrap dress I was recently sent by Romwe (c/o), for example. A wrap style is a great way to make a maxi-dress flattering because the asymmetrical lines create a slimming effect by drawing the eye to your narrowest parts and sweeping the visual lines across your body. A v-neck is always optically slimming because it creates a vertical line from the neck down. You know how you’re supposed to stand slightly at an angle in photos to look slimmer? This is what a wrap dress does all on it’s own – without the awkward posing. 

If you don’t own a maxi dress yet, don’t fret because it won’t cost you a lot. There are a number of affordable options out there right now since it’s such a popular look. In fact, this one is under $25. Plus, it has this lace-up detail in the back which is completely on-trend, too! In the fall, you should choose a darker color, floral or pattern to make it seasonally appropriate. Try taking it in the direction of Boho like I did by adding a wool hat, giant sunnies and suede booties. And of course, a lip color that picks up on a color in the dress. This one is the YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain I’m giving away to one lucky winner who takes my reader survey by this coming Friday (9/23). I was given it by Influenster to test and review, and I’m truly obsessed! 

Dress: Romwe (c/o) // Tank: Jockey // Booties: Steve Madden via DSW (similar here) // Hat: Urban Outfitters (similar here) // Sunglasses: Chloe via Loehmanns (similar here) // Jewelry: my own // Bag: Who What Wear for Target // Lip: YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain

What do you think about wearing a maxi dress in fall? Would you do it? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget my recent post about another trend I’m taking into fall – off the shoulder tops!

While this dress was given to me by Romwe, all opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Belle Meets World!